White Papers
In-depth research for informed tourism decision-making
Featured White Papers
CET White Papers provide comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of strategic issues shaping tourism in Costa Rica. These publications integrate official statistics, academic research, market intelligence and institutional analysis to support informed decision-making by public authorities, businesses, academia and other stakeholders.
WHITE PAPER ON TOURISM IN COSTA RICA
An Integrated View of Tourism Development and Sustainability
Updated Edition · February 2026
This White Paper provides an integrated assessment of Costa Rica’s tourism activity, examining its historical development, economic contribution, international competitiveness and the structural challenges shaping its future.The study brings together data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica, the Costa Rican Tourism Board, national statistics, CET research and international sources to provide a broad evidence base for understanding the country’s tourism performance and strategic outlook.
Autores:
Dr. Harry Strachan · Bary Roberts · Víctor Umaña
With contributions from the CET Advisory Council
What the White Paper examines
Tourism Development
The evolution of Costa Rica’s tourism model and its transition from ecotourism toward new forms of value creation.
Economic Impact
Tourism’s direct, indirect and induced contribution to economic activity, employment and foreign-exchange earnings.
Competitiveness
International arrivals, regional benchmarking, exchange rates, connectivity and changing market conditions.
Contemporary Challenges
Security, governance, human talent, informality, technology, carrying capacity and climate resilience.
Future Opportunities
Product diversification, sustainable finance, tourism intelligence, innovation and regenerative tourism.
Strategic Directions
Policy priorities and institutional pathways for strengthening Costa Rica’s tourism model over the coming decade.
Why CET publishes White Papers
White Papers are among CET’s most comprehensive research publications. They examine complex tourism issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining data, context and analysis in a single reference document.
Their purpose is not to advocate for political positions, but to strengthen the evidence available for public discussion, institutional planning, academic research and strategic decision-making.
Evidence for better decisions
Tourism decisions have long-term economic, social and territorial consequences. CET seeks to contribute independent research and accessible evidence so that those decisions can be better informed.